FLORENCE, Ala. – Florida Gulf Coast men's basketball will continue ASUN play on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET at North Alabama.
The Eagles are looking to get back on track in Florence after losing their first ASUN opener since 2021 on Thursday at UCA. FGCU dropped to 1-5 in games decided by single digits and on the road this season despite shooting a higher percentage from the field, behind the arc and at the free throw line than the Bears.
The Eagles offense played well on Thursday, but the defense (No. 322 nationally in points allowed per game) was unable to get key stops down the stretch. Losing the free throw margin has been a common theme throughout the rough patch, and it played a factor again in the ASUN opener,
The offense outshot UCA from the field 53.7% to 51.7%. It's the second time this season that the Eagles have lost despite shooting a higher percentage from the floor. FGCU previously outshot FAU 50.9% to 42.9% from the field. The loss to the Bears is actually the 14th time in the Chambers era (3+ seasons) that the Eagles have lost in that fashion.
In fact, FGCU also had a higher 3PT % (45.2% to 39.1%) and a higher FT % (91.7% to 80.0%) than UCA. Against FAU, the Eagles' FT% was higher (87.5% to 84.4%), but both teams shot 28.6% (6-21) from behind the arc. FGCU has lost both of its best 3PT shooting games by makes & percentage this season (UCF, 15 3PM, 55.6% and UCA, 14 3PM, 45.2%)
The Bears won the rebound battle 32-26 due to a 11-5 advantage on the offensive glass. FGCU dropped to 0-6 when losing the rebounding battle this season.
UNA is led by: Donte Bachus, 14.3 points per game; Cornelious Williams, 12.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game; Kevin de Kovachich, 11.1 points, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Canin Jefferson also averages double figure scoring at 11.9 points per game.
The Lions lost to the lone common opponent between the two squads, 71-57 at Chattanooga. FGCU beat the Mocs 91-73 at home. UNA also lost its ASUN opener, 67-70 to Stetson. Their best win this season is a 65-63 victory over Mid Major No. 20 San Francisco on the road; the Lions have power conference losses to Mississippi State and Clemson.
FGCU trails in the all-time series 6-8. Chambers is 3-2 against UNA, but the Eagles have never won in Florence (0-4 all-time). The last time FGCU and UNA met, the Eagles won 75-70 at home on Jan. 9, 2025.
Michael Duax and
Rahmir Barno each scored 10 for FGCU in the win.
Tickets are on sale now for ASUN action at https://fgcuathletics.evenue.net/list/FGCU.
For more information on FGCU men's basketball, follow @FGCU_MBB on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit fgcuathletics.com.
